I finally was able to catch up with my former college roommate, a retired Pro Scout. I will provide what he said and what he is hearing about Duke as well of their 2022 commitments.
Here’s what he said:
“I am hearing that the staff is very high on this team. Said that the 2 grad guys have been great leaders and mentors to all the other guys, the retuning players have all upped their games, and the Fr are all beyond their years both physically and mentally.”
Part 1: The Grad Transfers
Overall: “I have heard nothing but positive things and to be honest, I was told the staff has been very happy with both players as leaders in the locker room and mentors for the newer guys. One thing that I have been told on more than on occasion, is that (Bates) Jones is earning he way into the playing equation as the 4th big.”
Theo John
What he’s heard:
“I was told that the Duke staff is being careful with him in how much pre-season work they are giving him. It is all precautionary from what I was told; nothing to do with any kind of injury. The staff already knows what he brings to the table and wants him to be healthy for the season.”
What he thinks his role might be:
“He, as most expect, is going to be that guy who comes in and defends and grabs rebounds. Not much is going to be asked of him offensive, and anything he provides on that end of the court will all be gravy. He is going to be that guy off the bench that will give breaks to Williams and Banchero and bangs on the other team’s bigs.”
NBA trajectory:
“Not sure what to think at this point. Not much talk of him, but he does offer some things that NBA team might look at to fill their roster. This season should say a lot in terms of NBA potential.”
Bates Jones
What he’s heard:
“He has been one of the biggest surprises of the summer workouts so far. I was told he can really shoot the ball and can defend. Kind of the Duke stretch 4 type of guy. One person I know said that Bates just gets it. “
What he thinks his role might be:
“He could get minutes when the bigs are in foul trouble or when both bigs need breaks. Like I said, he is earning his way and the staff didn’t expect all that is has shown thus far.”
NBA trajectory:
“Not much frankly. I know all players have that NBA dream but not much in the mind of many at this point.”
Here’s what he said:
“I am hearing that the staff is very high on this team. Said that the 2 grad guys have been great leaders and mentors to all the other guys, the retuning players have all upped their games, and the Fr are all beyond their years both physically and mentally.”
Part 1: The Grad Transfers
Overall: “I have heard nothing but positive things and to be honest, I was told the staff has been very happy with both players as leaders in the locker room and mentors for the newer guys. One thing that I have been told on more than on occasion, is that (Bates) Jones is earning he way into the playing equation as the 4th big.”
Theo John
What he’s heard:
“I was told that the Duke staff is being careful with him in how much pre-season work they are giving him. It is all precautionary from what I was told; nothing to do with any kind of injury. The staff already knows what he brings to the table and wants him to be healthy for the season.”
What he thinks his role might be:
“He, as most expect, is going to be that guy who comes in and defends and grabs rebounds. Not much is going to be asked of him offensive, and anything he provides on that end of the court will all be gravy. He is going to be that guy off the bench that will give breaks to Williams and Banchero and bangs on the other team’s bigs.”
NBA trajectory:
“Not sure what to think at this point. Not much talk of him, but he does offer some things that NBA team might look at to fill their roster. This season should say a lot in terms of NBA potential.”
Bates Jones
What he’s heard:
“He has been one of the biggest surprises of the summer workouts so far. I was told he can really shoot the ball and can defend. Kind of the Duke stretch 4 type of guy. One person I know said that Bates just gets it. “
What he thinks his role might be:
“He could get minutes when the bigs are in foul trouble or when both bigs need breaks. Like I said, he is earning his way and the staff didn’t expect all that is has shown thus far.”
NBA trajectory:
“Not much frankly. I know all players have that NBA dream but not much in the mind of many at this point.”
